TSE Eating Out

COZYMEL'S

2008-02-03T08:58:00.000-08:00

COZYMEL’S
Mexican Grill
355 Hughes Center Drive

After walking the PMA show floor today Vincent and I were looking for somewhere to sit and relax. We skipped the food court in the convention center and went to COZYMEL’S.

After waiting five minutes to get our soda, we ordered our appetizer. We ordered the Quest Flameado which contains creamy Cancun and poblano sauces, with mushrooms, onions, a couple of different peppers, melted cheese, and cilantro pecan pesto flamed right in front of us. The excitement dwindled when our waiter pulled out his blue bic and started the dish on fire. I know it is petty, but aren’t there more elaborate lighters available? I could almost picture the waiter using that lighter on a cigarette break.

As instructed we used the tortillas to scoop up the delicious Queso Flameado. The only problem, there were two of us and they gave us three tortillas. Maybe they expected us to push the table aside and wrestle the last tortilla out of the hands of the other person. I could see some cook in the back laughing as he set only three tortillas out for two people. (Either give us two or four.) The appetizer was fabulous! It was worth the $8.

I ordered the Chipotle Honey Glaze Salmon. I was okay waiting because of our delicious appetizer; however, if we were paying $3 for a glass of soda and it is understood that it is bottomless I kind of expect someone is ready to fill up my glass several times and as quickly as possible. At one point a mysterious man dressed in black came by and gave me a new glass of soda. I kind of wish I knew his name, it turned out he was the best thing about my dining experience.

When my entrée arrived I was enjoying the fresh vegetables, crispy shredded sweet potato curls and succulent rice when I tasted the salmon. The honey glaze was a combination of sweet with a little spice that intrigued the palate. Then I noticed the texture changed. I looked more closely and my salmon was not cooked in the middle. It could have been classified as sushi.

After it took us five minutes to find someone who wasn’t our original waiter, My under cooked salmon was whisked away then a new piece of salmon arrived with more vegetables and sweet potato curls. I started to taste the salmon. It was indeed cooked, but it seemed to be much oilier. It was the same with the sweet potato curls. They weren’t crisp, but laden down with oil. I couldn’t taste the honey glaze and although it was cooked this time; I really didn’t care.

We picked COZYMEL’S because it was close to the convention center. The appetizer was great, but the service wasn’t so great. The fact that the fish came back tasting different only suggests that there are different people cooking; therefore, no dish tastes remotely close to another. The salmon wasn’t worth the $15 and the service wasn’t worth the tip we left. I was bitterly disappointed.

Bistro Zinc

2008-01-10T20:04:00.000-08:00

The Lakes community in Henderson has many meetings for executives, etc. They also have a superb atmosphere for fine dining.

I was sitting at the bar sipping coke which from experience usually means I don’t get the same service as someone ordering alcohol when Julie Laplante asked me if there was something I might like to eat. She not only asked, but she gave me a menu, kept my coke filled to the brim and slid a bowl of warm pistachios in front of me. I have never tasted pistachios prepared that way. They created a warm, happy feeling in my stomach. As I looked out the restaurant door toward the lake that feeling was down right perfect.

Also perfect were the oysters and mussels. The oysters were served with vinaigrette that was outstanding. But nothing could prepare my palate for the Maryland style lump crab cake. First, the crab was lump not shredded and stuck together with a sauce/bread crumb combination; there were tantalizing lumps of sweet crab bordered by Manila clams and nestled on top of heavenly corn chowder.

Let me get back to Julie Laplante. Not only did she continually ask if there was anything I needed she took care of my every culinary need. I have never had such outstanding service! She acted professionally, and I felt she really cared that I had a pleasant experience. I can’t wait to go back for an entrée!

Burger Bar Mandalay Place

2007-11-25T09:17:00.001-08:00

After PhotoShop World I was exhausted and hungry. I had walked the floor, taken classes, and went to the closing ceremonies. I was ready to sit down and relax. I had seen a picture of Burger Bar on a trade show attendee guide and was impressed by the colossal picture of a burger.

After walking to Burger Bar we had to wait to get a table. I figured it was worth it as other people were willing to wait as well. When we did get seated I was a little put off by the fact our server was wearing a tank top in which I could see her bra straps. I think this may be part of fashion right now, but I don't think it makes it right for an establishment serving food.

Choosing my burger was much more difficult than I imagined. There were six different kinds of meat to choose from. That wasn't bad and I am confident that it was all quality meat. However, the toppings were a different story. I think someone expected me to know what went well together on top of a mountain of meat. I was very aware if I chose the wrong toppings my expensive burger would be a huge bust. I also felt a little misled, the picture looked fabulous. How was I supposed to make that burger?

After carefully choosing the bread, the beef, and a couple of toppings I waited. I waited a little longer than I expected. After I took that first bite I was dissappointed. I don't know if it was the wait for a table; the cost for my finished burger; the burger itself or the fact that the fries were the best part of the meal, but I felt cheated.

Listen, I am a show attendee. I spend my time talking to people, photographing booths, walking and listening in classes and talking to the people in those classes. I appreciate free water and look forward to that one meal that will either end the show or provide an intermission. I would have appreciated if I had more ready made burger combinations to choose from. I think the servers could have looked hip without showing their bra straps and I would have really appreciated something that was worth the wait.

Want me to review a restaurant before you get here? Let me know and I will go there. draft by Trade Show Expo 8:42:00 AM Delete

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